Elderly women from controversial Ngcobo church apparently abandoned

Mar 29, 2018

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has called on Eastern Cape Social Development MEC, Nancy Sihlwayi, to explain "why she has instructed her officials to drop nine elderly women at Middelburg’s Silwer Jare Old Age Home in the middle of the night".

The church was at the centre of a controversy after it was used by suspects, who were allegedly responsible for the deadly Ngcobo police station attack in February.

Seven suspects were also killed at the church during a shootout with police, who stormed the premises. It was agreed to close down the church.

"She has given no explanations for this move.

"This information surfaced last weekend when I conducted an oversight visit to the old age home," said Kobus Botha, the DA's Eastern Cape Shadow MEC for Social Development.

"I discovered that the women were removed from the controversial Seven Angels Church in Ngcobo and were allegedly informally placed at Silwer Jare Old Age Home in Middelburg."

Botha added that the MEC must provide a clear indication as to when the Department will compensate the old age home for services rendered to the nine women, who are allegedly being housed unofficially as they have not been formally admitted to the home.

"This move has imposed major financial strain on the home; it has cost them thousands of rands and counting to take care of the elderly women.

"I have written a letter to the MEC in this regard and I expect her to respond urgently. If she fails to respond, I will submit parliamentary questions. To view the letter sent to the MEC," he said.

Botha said that the Eastern Cape needs a Total Change of provincial government.

"A new beginning is needed with a caring DA provincial government that will ensure that all registered non-profit organizations such as Silwer Jare Old Age Home receive their funding on time, every time in order to care for the elderly on behalf of our government."

Related Stories

The Automobile Association of South Africa is predicting another substantial fuel price reduction January in 2019, which should come as great news for local motorists coming out of the Festive Season and preparing to return to work and school...